Mirchi Pakodi Recipe: A Perfect Snack for the Monsoon Season
Mirchi Pakodi, also known as stuffed green chili fritters, is a beloved street food that is especially popular in India. This crispy and spicy snack is perfect for the rainy season, often served with a cup of tea. The combination of crispy, spicy, and tangy flavors makes it an irresistible treat that youβll want to prepare for your evening snacks during the monsoon.
If you’re looking for a snack thatβs bursting with flavors and can be made in no time, Mirchi Pakodi is the answer. With green chilies stuffed with a sweet and tangy tamarind-jaggery filling, coated in a crispy gram flour batter, and garnished with fresh onions, roasted peanuts, coriander leaves, lemon, and chaat masala, every bite is a delightful experience.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Mirchi Pakodi
For Stuffing:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Chillies (Big ones) | 6 |
| Tamarind Paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Jaggery | 2 tablespoons |
| Ajwain (Carom seeds) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Roasted Gram Flour (Besan) | 3 tablespoons |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Batter:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1-1/2 cups |
| Baking Soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | A pinch |
| Ajwain (Carom seeds) | A pinch |
| Water | As required |
Other Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion, finely chopped | As required |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) | As required |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, chopped | As required |
| Lemon | As required |
| Chaat Masala Powder | As required |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Stuffing:
Begin by preparing the stuffing for the green chilies. In a small bowl, combine tamarind paste and jaggery. Stir well to form a smooth mixture. -
Stuff the Green Chilies:
Make a slit in each green chili, ensuring not to cut all the way through. Gently remove the seeds, creating a pocket inside each chili. Stuff each chili with the tamarind-jaggery mixture, pressing the stuffing inside to ensure it is well-packed. -
Prepare the Gram Flour Batter:
In a separate bowl, combine gram flour (besan), baking soda, turmeric powder, and ajwain (carom seeds). Gradually add water to form a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the stuffed chilies, but not too runny. -
Heat Oil for Frying:
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Make sure there is enough oil to submerge the chilies for even frying. -
Coat and Fry the Stuffed Chilies:
Dip each stuffed chili into the gram flour batter, ensuring it is evenly coated. Carefully place the battered chilies into the hot oil, one at a time. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. -
Drain and Cool:
Once the pakodis are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool for a few minutes. -
Serve and Garnish:
Once cooled, cut the Mirchi Pakodis in half and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with finely chopped onions, roasted peanuts, coriander leaves, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of chaat masala powder for added flavor. -
Enjoy:
Serve these delicious Mirchi Pakodis with your favorite chutneys or a hot cup of masala chai. They make the perfect snack for monsoons or any time you’re craving something crispy and spicy.
Tips:
- You can adjust the spiciness of the stuffing by adding more or less green chilies.
- For extra crunch, you can add some rice flour to the batter.
- These pakodis are best enjoyed hot, straight out of the fryer.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
(Approximate values based on standard ingredients)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200-250 kcal |
| Protein | 4-6g |
| Carbohydrates | 25-30g |
| Fat | 10-12g |
| Fiber | 3-4g |
| Sodium | 350-400mg |
Mirchi Pakodi is not just a snack; itβs an experience. The spicy green chilies, sweet and tangy stuffing, and crispy gram flour batter come together to create a perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you’re watching the rains pour down or simply looking for a quick and satisfying treat, this Indian street food is sure to hit the spot.
